Equestrian terms: What are aids?

Equestrian trainers and horseback riding instructors go to great pains, telling riders to use their aids properly. What does this term mean?

Here's how equestrian aids might be defined simply, so riders and non-riders alike might understand what they are. Basically, aids are signals that a rider (or equestrian driver) may use to communicate to the horse. Equestrians may use both natural aids and artificial aids.

This article originally appeared on another publisher’s site, which is no longer open. All rights reverted to the author, so it appears here with full permission.

Natural aids

Natural aids include the equestrian’s own body only. The seat, legs, hands, and voice (such as words, clucking, whistling, and other sounds) may all be used as natural aids to guide a horse. Some equestrian disciplines forbid the use of the voice during horse show competitions, although equestrians almost universally employ vocal cues while training and schooling horses.

Artificial aids

To the equestrian, artificial aids include spurs, riding whips (such as bats or crops), special bits, martingales or training forks, side reins and other equipment that may be used to direct the horse. Artificial aids are intended to confirm, or emphasize, what the rider’s (or handler’s or driver’s) own natural aids have already communicated to the horse. Of course, artificial aids are to be used as gently as possible, with the least amount of force needed to achieve the desired result from the horse.

Aids are considered the equestrian’s key tools for communicating with the horse while riding or driving.

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Inspired by this Para Equestrian Dressage video

It’s easy to come up with excuses for not riding. Maybe the weather’s not quite right. Perhaps I’m not feeling up to snuff today. Then I look at something like this Para Equestrian Dressage video, and I gain a renewed inspiration. Seeing riders overcoming real-life challenges pretty much blows away my own meager excuses.

What is Para Equestrian Dressage?

Para-Equestrian Dressage is similar to standard dressage, although it is designed for individuals with various physical or visual impairments. FEI rules apply to competitions, although certain accommodations may be made for participants, based on their levels of impairment. Riders may use one hand, if needed. Some have held the reins in their teeth. Rubber bands, connecting rein bars, and other assistive riding devices are permitted.

Participants are classified in various grades for competitions, in which they perform pre-established and musical freestyle patterns (much like standard dressage).

Para-Equestrian Dressage is the only equestrian discipline in the International Paralympic Games, as it has been for two decades. Paralympics does not refer to paralysis, per se. The name comes from the fact that these events occur alongside, or parallel to, the general Olympic Games. The same principle holds for Para Equestrian Dressage.

Take a look at this YouTube video, published today by Deloitte US, presenting sponsor of both the US Para-Equestrian Dressage Team and the US Para-Equestrian Dressage National Championships. The team is training now for the upcoming Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

I think I will saddle up tomorrow, kick MS to the curb, and ride that horse again. We’re not aiming for any big-deal competition, but we’re ready to play anyway. Can I get an Amen?

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Dales Pony – A-Z Intriguing Horse Breeds in Pictures

The Dales Pony, native to the United Kingdom, excels in cross-country, dressage, driving, endurance, and jumping. The hardy moorland pony is strong enough to carry adults as well as children.

 

Dales Pony Stallion

by Annapennell

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